Bealach na Ba Summit Walk, Applecross
Highlands
The Bealach na Ba is one of the highest and most dramatic mountain roads in Britain, climbing from sea level at Tornapress to 626 metres in under 11 km with gradients of up to 1 in 5 and hairpin bends that test both vehicle and driver. Signs at the foot of the pass advise against learner drivers, very large vehicles and caravans, and snow gates at both ends mean the road can be closed for spells in winter. The summit plateau above the pass, however, rewards those who arrive by foot rather than car. From the car park a series of open moorland ridges climb gently above the road to higher ground with views west to Skye and Raasay, north into the Torridon hills and south towards Knoydart. The terrain is open heather moorland with occasional rock outcrops, and the sense of space and altitude gives the walk a genuinely remote Highland character.
This is an exceptional dog friendly walk for dogs that enjoy open moorland. The plateau is open and unfenced, and livestock and red deer roam the pass and are often on or near the road, so keep your dog on a lead near livestock and under close control around deer. The clean moorland burns provide drinking water throughout. The main challenge is weather: the summit plateau is fully exposed and conditions can change rapidly. Suitable waterproofs for both owner and dog are essential. In good weather this is one of the finest short moorland walks in Wester Ross. The Applecross Inn in the village below is dog-friendly and provides an excellent end to a day that combines the road and the walk above it.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 5.0 km (3.1 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 2 hr 15 min
- Walk Type
- Peak, Moorland, Coastal
- Route Type
- Out and Back
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
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Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
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All dog friendly stays in HighlandsDog Friendly Hotels Nearby
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All dog friendly hotels in HighlandFrequently Asked Questions
Is Bealach na Ba Summit Walk, Applecross dog friendly?
Bealach na Ba Summit Walk is rated 9 out of 10 for dog friendliness, making it one of the best moorland walks in Wester Ross for dogs. The open heather plateau and clean burns providing natural drinking water make for a genuinely excellent experience for dogs and owners alike, though livestock and red deer roam the pass, so keep your dog on a lead near livestock. If you're looking to finish the day in style, the Applecross Inn in the village below is dog-friendly too.
Can dogs be off lead at Bealach na Ba Summit Walk, Applecross?
The summit plateau is open and unfenced, so follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code: keep your dog under close control, on a lead near livestock and away from deer. The plateau is fully exposed, so keep a close eye on your dog if the weather closes in.
What should I know before visiting Bealach na Ba Summit Walk, Applecross with my dog?
The biggest consideration here is weather: the summit plateau sits at 626 metres and is completely exposed, with conditions that can change rapidly. Waterproofs for both you and your dog are essential, regardless of how the day starts out. On the plus side, the moorland burns provide drinking water throughout the walk, so you won't need to carry much for your dog.
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